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I had this problem last year also. This year I started as soon as i saw the fluttering of those white wings. I made a topless critter cage (similar to the one in the book) then bought some cheap tulle from the fabric store. Secured it with christmas light clips and clothes pins.

@extremesoccermom wrote:Your broccoli looks wonderful. I have grown it for a few years now but I have a big problem with a green caterpillar. They eat more broccoli than my family every year. Does any one have any ideas how I can combat these little buggers. I currently check my plants twice a day and hand pick them off. I don't want to use a commercial pestaside but the family does not like finding cooked caterpillar in their vegetables.LOL.

I cooked one yesterday but in stealing a bite before it was done in the steamer I saw a wriggly fall off (little green worm maybe 1/2" long tops and pretty narrow. I squished him, felt a little "ick" for a bit and then made sure I didn't eat anymore until it was done steaming and I could be sure the next one I put near my mouth would at least be dead.

I went out to check the garden after several days of pouring rain and I have my first broccoli head now too -- WHOO HOOO!!! The other 2 plants are still "barren" but the growth of the plant itself is unbelievable. They're so big that they are shading the 2 rows of plants behind them. I never would have though that broccoli needed to be planted behind rows of corn & pole beans.

@extremesoccermom wrote:Your broccoli looks wonderful. I have grown it for a few years now but I have a big problem with a green caterpillar. They eat more broccoli than my family every year. Does any one have any ideas how I can combat these little buggers. I currently check my plants twice a day and hand pick them off. I don't want to use a commercial pestaside but the family does not like finding cooked caterpillar in their vegetables.LOL.

I cooked one yesterday but in stealing a bite before it was done in the steamer I saw a wriggly fall off (little green worm maybe 1/2" long tops and pretty narrow. I squished him, felt a little "ick" for a bit and then made sure I didn't eat anymore until it was done steaming and I could be sure the next one I put near my mouth would at least be dead.